Bucovina, Maramures & Transylvania Grand Tour

Visit Romania in a comprehensive tour which combines three of the most important regions in Romania: Bucovina, Maramures and Transylvania. Straddling the rugged Carpathian Mountains with rich green valleys and farms spread throughout the countryside, Romania offers an extraordinary kaleidoscope of cultures to discover and plenty of UNESCO Heritage sights to explore.
From Transylvania’s colorful old cities, which remind you of medieval Hungary and Germany to the famous painted Orthodox monasteries of Moldavia which evoke Byzantium, Romania will surprise every traveler interested in history, tradition and Romanian culture. Join us in this private grand tour of the country and explore the fascinating historical cities and the countryside where your most memorable times could be spent. Enjoy traditional accommodations and the comfort of a private vehicle and English speaking guide during the tour.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bucharest

Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Accommodation: Rembrandt Hotel (3*)

Orthodox Church, Gura Humorului

Best Western Bucovina

Day 2: Bucharest - Iasi - Gura Humorului

Enjoy a full day tour of Bucharest, also known as "Little Paris". Start with The Palace of the Parliament – admire the luxurious display of crystal chandeliers, mosaics, oak paneling, marble, gold leaf, and stained-glass windows. Visit Cotroceni Palace and Museum. Continue to the Village Museum with 50 buildings representing the history and design of Romania’s rural architecture. See Bucharest’s Arc de Triomphe, built in honour of the Romanian soldiers who fought in the First World War. Entrance fees are included

Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Take a flight from Bucharest to Iasi. Flight time will take approximately an hour.

Enjoy a private airport transfer.

Accommodation: Best Western Bucovina (4*)

Voronet monastery

Day 3: Suceviţa - Gura Humorului

Bucovina gathers more than 20 painted monasteries, memory of medieval history. This day is dedicated to four of the most beautiful of them. We start in Sucevita , a XVth century fortified monastery. Continue with Moldovita (small Moldova) a UNESCO world heritage site. But probably the star of the day will be Voronet. Perfectly shaped and built, Voronet hosts the most beautiful religious frescoe in Moldavia, “ The Judgement”. We finish our trip at Dragomirna, the tallest monastery church and an example of gothic style in Eastern Europe. Some of the visits will be led by experts involved in the restoration of the churches and their frescoes to give you a unique insight.

Accommodation: Best Western Bucovina (4*)

Sighet Marmatiei

Casa Iurca de Calinesti

Day 4: Suceviţa - Sighetu Marmatiei

We leave Bucovina and head to the splendid region of Maramures (Northern Transylvania). You will pass through the stunning Carpathian mountains over the Prislop Pass (1400 meters, snow all year round ) . Due to the relative isolation of their land, the people of Maramures developed a particularly strong community, with a unique personality, traditions, culture, fashion and lifestyle unspoiled for centuries. Stop in the villages of Poenile Izei for the dowry tradition and Barsana for the wonderfully carved wooden gates.

Accommodation: Casa Iurca (4*)

Sapinta Merry Cemetery

Day 5: Sighetu Marmatiei

After breakfast, the village of Sapinta, will enable you to explore the world famous "Merry Cemetery". Here each wooden cross carries a funny epitaph. Continue to Valea Cosaului – an area off most tourist routes but with an untouched heritage. Stop to meet the local fair in Bogdan Voda, a colorful world where you can find everything , from horses to chinese sport shoes. Later, a visit to Calinesti church and village, including an icon-on-glass workshop, and a plum brandy distillery. If weather allows we can have a picnic lunch close to the church, surrounded by deep green forrest. Late in the afternoon return to the hotel for dinner and exclusively organized Maramures folklore show.

Accommodation: Casa Iurca (4*)

Golden Tulip Ana Dome

Day 6: Sighetu Marmatiei - Cluj-Napoca

Located in the Somesul Mic River valley, the city is considered the unofficial capital to the historical province of Transylvania and it is the fourth most populous city in Romania. Featuring baroque, gothic, Renaissance and neoclassical buildings, the square allows for quick access to St. Michael's Church and the Banffy Palace. Flanking the church on the south side is a 1902 equestrian statue of the 15-th century ruler, Matei Corvin. In the southwest corner of the square stands Hotel Continental, built in 1895 in an eclectic style combining Renaissance, classical and baroque elements. During World War II, the hotel served as the German military headquarters in Transylvania. Across the square, you can visit the Hintz House, which served as Cluj's first and longest-running pharmacy (1573-1949) and is now home to the Pharmacy Museum. Walk around the city and discover all these sights.

Accommodation: Golden Tulip Ana Dome (4*)

Sibiu

Hotel Roberts

Day 7: Sibiu

Enjoy a relaxing city tour of Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture in 2007, a medieval city with narrow streets and gothic arhitecture. Considered to be the jewel in the crown of German Siebenbuergen (Transylvania), the town dates back from 1400 and is one of the main tourist attraction in Romania. Visit Brukental Museum, the oldest museum in Romania with a vast collection of paintings, antiques, coins, and rare books, built by governor of Transylvania, Samuel Brukenthal between 1777 and 1787.

Accommodation: Roberts (3*)

Countryside

Day 8: Tarnava Mare - Sibiu

Experience the countryside today and see how local village people live. You will be problably wake by the sound of the cows returning to the summer meadows then after a wonderful breakfast a horse and cart will take you up through the High Nature Value meadows to visit a traditional shepherds Stana, see the sheep being milked and cheese being made, later you will visit the local charcoal burner and other village craftsmen. You will take a picnic in the hills above the village. Returning to the village you will visit the UNESCO church then have time to explore.

Accommodation: Roberts (3*)

Brasov

Casa Wagner

Day 9: Sibiu - Brasov

Breakfast. Leave Sibiu and stop in Biertan to visit the citadel, then onto Sighisoara. Sighisoara is the best preserved early middle age fortress-town in Europe, and therefore included in the World Cultural Heritage. Optional lunch in the Casa de Vlad Dracul restaurant - the actual house where Dracula was born and lived up to the age of four. Take a stroll through the old cobbled streets of Sighisoara and let yourself filled with its middle age like atmosphere. Visit the Clock Tower and the Church on the Hill. Continue to Brasov for overnight.

Accommodation: Casa Wagner (3*)

Town Hall Square, Brasov

Day 10: Brasov

Start your Old City tour with the Town Hall Square, where you can admire the colourfully painted and ornately trimmed baroque structures. Visit the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Romania. Continuing on your visit you'll see Catherine's Gate that was erected in 1559, the only original gate that still survives since medieval times. Visit Weavel's Bastion, the largest medieval bastion in Brasov and the best-preserved among the seven original watchtowers constructed around the city walls.

Accommodation: Casa Wagner (3*)

Peles Castle

Day 11: Brasov - Bucharest

Enjoy a full day tour and visit the famous Bran Castle or Dracula castle. Continue your tour with Peles Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, a masterpiece of German New-Renaissance architecture, commissioned by King Carol in 1873 and completed in 1883. Admire Pelisor Castle, about 100 m uphill from the castle, built by King Carol for his nephew.

Accommodation: Rembrandt Hotel (3*)

Day 12: Bucharest

What's Included:

Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

What's not Included:

Trip Terms & Conditions

Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.

Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary

Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.

Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

Hotels

Rembrandt Hotel

Rembrandt Hotel (3*) - Bucharest

The Rembrandt Hotel is situated in the historic city centre and housed in an original property from 1925. The contemporary Rembrandt Hotel is set 500 metres from the House of the People and the Contemporary Art Museum. The hotel’s services and rooms are designed to meet the needs of all travellers. With professional and personal service, genuine hospitality, and special features, the Rembrandt Hotel creates a warm and relaxed atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. Café Klein, on the mezzanine floor of the hotel, is a cozy and comfortable bistro, also popular with locals and non-hotel guests. Enjoy a complimentary drink upon arrival.

Best Western Bucovina (4*) - Gura Humorului

The Best Western Bucovina-Club De Munte is located in Gura Humorului, five kilometers away from monasteries Voronet and Humor, gently surrounded by Obcini, this Best Western is your gateway into the fantastic world of customs and traditions in the land of Bukovina. The restaurants offers a variety of traditional and International food. Enjoy the tranquility, comfort, and relaxation offered by the attentive multilingual staff that takes great pride in solving each and every one of your wishes.

Casa Iurca (4*) - Sighetu Marmatiei

Casa Iurca de Calinesti is located in Sighetu Marmatiei, right in the heart of Maramures Land, a place loaded with history and legends. You will see wonderful wood carvings realized by the inhabitants of those ancient places. The traditional guesthouse offers 22 rooms equipped with TV, mini-bar and internet connection. Travelling through Maramures, means to discover the craftsmanship and spirit of local artists who built a civilization based on wood carvings, while feeling the human presence and pride behind every piece of furniture, pottery, traditional costumes and handmade ornaments. The staff from Casa Iurca de Calinesti tries to pour into the travellers heart a drop from the essence of Maramures. They do this with a responsibility and passion for people and for tradition. Enjoy your stay!

Golden Tulip Ana Dome (4*) - Cluj-Napoca

Golden Tulip Ana Dome is located in the uptown area of Cluj-Napoca and offers its guest a spectacular view of the city while being only 5 minutes away from the city center. You must have dreamed about the hotel that offers you the best guest services and where you have the joy of feeling at home. The Golden Tulip Ana Dome hotel in Cluj-Napoca is the perfect choice. Their staff will make sure that you feel like their most important guest. Golden Tulip Ana Dome can accommodate up to 217 guests in their spacious rooms with high speed internet connection, flat screen LCD and stunning views. Other amenities include: stylish restaurant, hot sauna and professional massage.

Roberts (3*) - Sibiu

Hotel Roberts is situated in a quiet neighborhood, within walking distance to the historic centre. The hotel enchants with a tranquil and elegant atmosphere and its excellent service. Choose from 27 nicely furnished double rooms and 2 apartments. There is also a restaurant/bar with a capacity of up to 60 people.

Casa Wagner (3*) - Brasov

Casa Wagner is located in the very heart of the old city of Brasov, right on the pedestrian area Council Square, with amazing views of the famous Black Church and Mount Tampa. The hotel offers 12 luxurious and spacious suites that have been refurbished to preserve the past while accommodating modern needs and amenities. The location boasts exquisite views toward Piata Sfatului, Black Church, and Tampa Mountain as well as many other tourist attractions. Perfectly suitable for leisure guests, Casa Wagner Hotel is a lovely choice for a stay in this Transylvanian town.

Map

Reviews

Europe
Vanessa Oquendo ,
April 21, 2014"Melissa Field was extremely helpful! She was courteous, professional, knowledgeable, and friendly! She kept me updated on the status of everything and provided timely correspondence. She took ownership for any problems I had and remedied them. I had the most amazing time of my life in Iceland and Paris! I would not have experienced everything without the help of Kensington Tours."

Europe
Marilynn Weaver ,
April 21, 2014"All of our guides were beyond fabulous! Our time in Dublin was much too short, would have loved to stay there at least one more full day. Would recommend extending this package to 15 days for any future visits. The train to Edinburgh was super! Beautiful scenery and great steak pies!"

Europe
Ann Saxon ,
November 06, 2013"Our trip was fantastic!!! I cannot say enough good things. Lianne worked with our exact dates and time frame beautifully.Our drivers were prompt and friendly. The private guides were so knowledgeable. We left with an appreciation of the history, the culture, and the beauty of Andulasia. We were very pleased and will certainly recommend your company to friends and family."

Europe
Coby Scherr ,
November 05, 2013"Everyone involved in our Portugal trip made it terrific. Exactly as advertised. Every event on time and most pleasant. Guides were well-informed, courteous and friendly. Really made for a great journey every time. Each hotel was clean, upgraded and staffed with knowledgeable and friendly folks. Breakfasts were complete -- almost too much to eat. It will always be a wonderful memory thanks to Kensington Tours."

Europe
Couples Dellinger & Hubbell ,
November 06, 2013"We've been raving to everyone about the food, the friendliness of the people and the amazing history and sites in Turkey. Yes, we want to go back."

Europe
John Edstrom ,
October 22, 2013"Overall, our tour in Spain was very enjoyable, and well planned and executed. Our private tour of the Alhambra was excellent. Virginia, tour guide for royal palace ruins outside of Cordoba, was also excellent. In Seville, we went to the Flamenco Show/dinner, and the Flamenco was outstanding!"

Europe
Kevin Wilshere ,
October 19, 2013"Great trip to Spain! Thanks again for all your help, Lianne. The destinations, hotels, guides and everything were all top notch."

Europe
Chery Westlund ,
November 07, 2013"My husband and I took a 3 week vacation to southern Europe and North Africa and had a great time. All the guides were very knowledgeable and bent over backwards to accommodate us. The arrangements made by Kensington went off without a hitch. This is our second trip with Kensington (we went to Peru in 2009) and we will certainly book with them again."

Europe
Randy Gramlich ,
October 07, 2013"Thank you for your follow up, we both loved our time in Croatia. It’s really a beautiful place, especially the coast. Your choice of hotels was great. It was an incredible view from the Bellevue hotel in Dubrovnik and the Vestibule in Split was in the best possible location. We were able to relax in our room listening to the wonderful singers in the courtyard and its central location made it so easy to walk anywhere we wanted to see with ease. "

Europe
Jay Steffan ,
September 24, 2013"We just returned from a 10 day trip to Paris and Normandy. We spent three nights in Paris and then enjoyed a seven night cruise on the Seine to Normandy with AMA Waterways. The time in Paris was well spent and has piqued our interest to return for a more thorough visit. Guide Wafaa Lankey was superb in our visit to Versailles. The Seine cruise was relaxing and beautiful. So many wonderful little towns and we wished we had more time in each one to explore and enjoy.
We traveled to Croatia and Slovenia using Kensington earlier this year which was a fantastic trip."